We first had the opportunity to visit Lahaina during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time for everyone, especially for my active son Greyson, who was just 5 years old. We needed a change of scenery and a way to keep him entertained and active, so we decided to spend a couple of months in Lahaina.
My dad, the renowned musician Ray Conniff, had close ties to Hawaii and the community here. He had spent a lot of time in Lahaina and even recorded a Hawaiian album back in 1967. We had friends, Stephen Stills’ son Chris and his wife Stacy, who also lived in Lahaina, so it felt like a natural choice for us to spend our time here.
During our stay, Greyson had the chance to meet Uncle Bully, a local surf instructor and an incredible person. Uncle Bully teaches kids, especially the locals, how to surf and respect the ocean. He became a close family friend and taught Greyson how to surf. Greyson, now 8 years old, has developed a passion for surfing and even competes in surf competitions. The water has become his happy place.
What struck me about Lahaina, especially the surf and skateboarding community, is the deep sense of spirituality and connection to nature. The community here is tight-knit, and everyone looks out for one another. If someone is in need, people drop everything to help. It’s a family-oriented community where kids are often found playing outside, learning about the ocean and the environment. This is what makes Lahaina so special.
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For us, Lahaina has become more than just a temporary stay. We fell in love with the place and decided to buy a house here. Although we weren’t born here, we have a deep respect for Hawaiian culture and the native community. Lahaina has become our home, and we are committed to preserving its beauty and supporting the local community.
However, our experience in Lahaina took a drastic turn on August 8th. It was a day when hurricane winds caused a power outage in the area. It wasn’t unusual for power outages to occur, so we gathered our friends at our house to have lunch since no one had electricity. Little did we know that a fire was slowly approaching.
We only became aware of the fire when our friends staying in our guest house informed us about the smoke. Within seconds, the fire was in our backyard, and we had no time to waste. We grabbed our kids and ran with only the clothes on our backs. The situation quickly turned chaotic as we tried to find a way to escape the fire.
As we drove away, the fire was rapidly approaching, and we found ourselves stuck in traffic. There were no warnings, officials, or any form of direction to guide us. It was a deadly failure on the part of the local authorities. We were fortunate to make it out, but many others weren’t as lucky. Cars burned on Front Street because they couldn’t move, and some people had to jump into the water to escape the flames.
The aftermath was devastating. Lahaina was in ruins, and our homes, including my children’s bedrooms, were destroyed. We couldn’t help but imagine the worst-case scenario if we hadn’t been able to escape. Despite the loss of material possessions, what truly mattered was the safety and well-being of the community.
In the wake of the disaster, our focus shifted to survival and helping those in need. We coordinated efforts to secure supplies and transport them back to Lahaina. We made delivering essential items, such as food, water, and generators, our top priority. Through our nonprofit organization, Mana Mentors, we are also raising funds to support rebuilding efforts in the months to come.
It’s heartbreaking to witness the devastation and see families, especially indigenous families, lose their homes. We must ensure that Lahaina remains in the hands of the local community and that they have the resources to rebuild. Many people have reached out to offer their support, and we are grateful for their generosity.
The children in the community have been deeply affected by this tragedy. Surfing and skateboarding are sources of joy for them, and we want to help them get back on their boards and back into the water. We are accepting donations of surfboards, skateboards, and gear to provide these children with the means to restore their sense of happiness.
Rebuilding Lahaina will be a long and arduous process, but we are committed to giving our all. We want to ensure that the town’s rich Hawaiian history is preserved and that the community remains resilient. Lahaina is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a place with a strong sense of community and belonging.
We hope that through our efforts and the support of others, Lahaina can rise from the ashes and become even stronger. It’s a testament to the spirit of the people here that even in the face of such devastation, they remain united and determined to rebuild their beloved town. Lahaina will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will continue to fight for its restoration.
So, if you visit Lahaina in the future, remember that beyond its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture lies a community that has endured great hardship. It’s a place that needs your support, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply being conscious of the impact tourism can have on the local community. Together, we can help Lahaina heal and thrive once again.
